LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – From the day explorers set foot on the shores of California it became known as the “Land of Flowers.”

Why then do we continue to look to far away places for “wildflowers” not nearly as well suited for our environment as our native plants?

Many consider all wildflowers that grow in our woodlands, roadsides and fields – such as Queen Anne's lace, ox-eyed daisy, yarrow, chicory, broom and many others – without the aid of cultivation, to be natives.

However, they are in fact exotics that escaped cultivation after arriving with European settlers and many are aggressively displacing our natives.

A true California native is one that was present and thriving prior to European settlement.

As Californians we all have a responsibility to protect our native landscapes from the intrusion of alien plants. 

By using native plants in our landscapes we protect another resource – water!

When you think wildflowers, drought and semiarid climate, think California (Lake County) natives.

You're invited to learn more about landscaping with water conserving native flora and all phases of gardening at a meeting of the Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club.

The club meets at noon on the third Tuesday of each month (except July and August) in the Scotts Valley Women's Club House at 2298 Hendricks Road near Lakeport. A light lunch is served.

The next meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 17, will feature University of California Master Gardener Kandy Hurley, who will provide a workshop from 11 to 11:30 a.m. on how to make wildflower seed balls and sow in your yard to attract birds and butterflies.

Hurley also will present a program on a seed ball garden project and club seed exchange.

For more information please call Marva Brandt at 707-279-1625 or visit www.clttgc.org .

Jerry Shaul is a member of the Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club.